A process for treating manure slurries to concentrate manure particulate matter into solid form that is easily transportable. The process involves liquid-solid separation and chemical treatment where greater than 90% of the total phosphorous is concentrated into solid form while most of the nitrogen remains in the liquid.

Benefits

Applications

A vaccine against avian coccidiosis has been developed that utilizes recombinant DNA technology and nanoparticles to stimulate an immune response in newly-hatched chickens against the causative agent Eimeria maxima. The recombinant protein, called EmaxIMP1is purified and then conjugated to extremely small nanoparticles (20 nm in diameter) and orally given to newly-hatched chickens. This vaccine confers solid immunity against a challenge infection with the parasite Eimeria maxima. ARS scientists are now exploring the injection of embryonated chicken eggs as a practical means of delivering the nanoparticle-conjugated EmaxIMP1 protein to chicks prior to hatching just as vaccines against several viral pathogens are given.

Benefits
• Delivering recombinant EmaxIMP1 as a conjugate to nanoparticles improves the level of production against E. maxima infection

Application
• Incorporating a recombinant E. maxima antigen, namely EmaxIMP1 into nanoparticles and using these to orally immunize newly-hatched broiler chicks

Three novel catalytic methods of using ammonium cationic zeolites have been developed to produce saturated branched chain fatty acids (isostearic acid) from unsaturated linear chain fatty acid. The three selected zeolites (Ammonium Ferrierite, Ammonium ZSM-5 and Ammonium BETA) are found to produce three different compositions of isostearic acid products which will be different in physical properties and thus suitable for extended applications. High yield of product has been achieved in combination with specific co-catalysts and optimized reaction conditions even for large scale production.

Benefits
• Property variation in products from different catalytic system is useful to expand the overall application of isostearic acid.
• Heat treatment for catalyst will make this technology cost effective and environmentally friendly
• Various zeolite-additives combinations suppress byproduct (dimer) formation effectively and thus produce high yield of isostearic acid

Applications
• Isostearic acid an important feedstock for the production of lubricant, cosmetics, emulsifiers, surfactants, biodiesel, hydraulic fluids and many more products

A system and method for cleaning and sanitizing fresh-cut produce. The approach is to use an upwardly-directed spray, with one or more water jets of sanitizer solution, to remove organic exudate foreign materials and microorganisms from fresh-cut produce immediately after the produce exits the cutter blades. The system is designed so that as the produce falls, it is impacted, reoriented, cleaned, and/or sanitized by the produce-washing liquid.

Benefits
• Minimizes the use of chlorine (or other sanitizers) and reduces the volume of water used

Applications
• A system and method to quickly and efficiently remove organic exudate, field debris and soil particulates from freshly-cut produce

A novel gene for a recessive dwarf trait in peach and its role in controlling tree size. Silencing the gene results in Prunus trees having a dwarf appearance while still retaining normal flower and fruit development. The degree of silencing corresponds to the degree of overall tree size.

Benefits

Applications

Ornamental tree industry

Modified cyclodextrins are functionally capable of conferring several protections to honey bees. This includes the ability to: sequester pesticides from bees, bolster immune responses against viruses, increase overwintering success, and lowering the level of Nosema parasites found in early spring bees. Here we present a novel formulation compatible with common beekeeping practices that can efficiently deliver cyclodextrins directly to honey bees.
Benefits
• Sequesters pesticides from bees
• Bolsters immune response against pathogens
• Significantly improves overwintering success, specifically in the presence of miticides
• Reduces levels of Nosema parasites within the gut of honey bees

Applications
• Simple and safe formulation that meets all FDA requirements, and uses are consistent with contemporary commercial, sideline, and backyard beekeeping practices. Additionally, provides benefits to bees from multiple issues associated with their pesticide detoxification and immunity.

A method of reducing the melting point of a peptide-based biopolymer, such as keratin or silk, using a nitrogen-containing compound as a plasticizer.

Benefits

Applications

A system and method for evaluating materials at multiple temperatures using Raman spectroscopy. A material is subjected to a variable thermodynamic protocol and analyzed using a differential scanning calorimeter.

Benefits
• Quantitative and sensitive test
• Results obtained in 3 - 6 hours instead of days or weeks
• Reliably measures and analyzes molecular level changes of compounds as they begin to melt
• Provides molecular structural information regarding a target substance

Applications
• To enhance the ability to identify substances through Raman spectroscopy
• Biomedical, biochemistry, material science and more
• Non-destructive monitoring for manufacturing materials to ensure intended molecular and structural integrity of material